Best Thrillers & Suspense Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a gripping young adult mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows high school senior Pip as she investigates the murder of Andie Bell, a popular student who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Sal Singh. Pip's investigation leads her to discover a trail of dark secrets that could prove Sal's innocence, but someone in their town doesn't want her digging around. The book is full of twists and turns, and the ending is unexpected. Jackson brilliantly plays off our collective true crime obsession, making this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson is an addictive and true-crime fueled sequel to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. The story follows Pip, who is no longer a detective but finds herself in another deadly case. When someone she knows goes missing, Pip takes it upon herself to uncover the truth, revealing more of her town's dark secrets along the way. This book is perfect for fans of YA thrillers, murder mysteries, and unstoppable young women, with a plot that is both dark and intricately plotted. Overall, Good Girl, Bad Blood is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.

As Good as Dead: The Finale to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a gripping and thrilling conclusion to the bestselling mystery series. The protagonist, Pip, is a young woman who has gained popularity for her true-crime podcast. However, she soon finds herself in danger when an anonymous person starts stalking her in real life. The plot escalates when Pip discovers connections between her stalker and a local serial killer. With the police refusing to take action, she takes matters into her own hands. The book is a perfect read for fans of YA thrillers and true crime. Overall, it is a well-written and skillfully constructed novel of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games, 2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a thrilling sequel to the beloved bestselling The Inheritance Games. In this book, heiress Avery Grambs has to find the man who might hold the answers to all of her questions—including why Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to Avery, a virtual stranger, rather than to his own daughters or grandsons. Barnes is a master of puzzles and plot twists, and this book will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Overall, The Hawthorne Legacy is a must-read for fans of mysteries and detective stories.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a New York Times bestseller that tells the story of Avery Grambs, a high school student who unexpectedly inherits a fortune from a billionaire she never met. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the Hawthorne House, a mansion filled with puzzles, riddles, and secrets. The catch? The Hawthorne family believes Avery is a con artist and will stop at nothing to take her down. The novel is filled with thrilling twists, high-stakes treasure hunts, and family secrets. Overall, The Inheritance Games is a gripping and entertaining read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Final Gambit is the latest installment in The Inheritance Games series, which has sold over one million copies. The book follows Avery Kylie Grambs as she tries to survive and inherit billions by living in Hawthorne House. However, a visitor's arrival changes everything, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers find themselves in a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player. The book is filled with secrets, puzzles, and plot twists that keep the reader engaged until the very end. Overall, The Final Gambit is an entertaining and thrilling read that is perfect for fans of romantic mysteries and thrillers.

The A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Complete Series Paperback Boxed Set is a must-read mystery series that includes A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Good Girl, Bad Blood, and As Good as Dead. Holly Jackson's bestselling series follows protagonist Pip as she investigates the tragic murder of a high school senior, delving into a trail of dark secrets that leads to obsession. The books explore themes of prejudice and racism and are perfect for teens and young adults who enjoy true crime stories. Overall, this boxed set is a thrilling and unique read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Inheritance Games Collection is a thrilling and suspenseful trilogy that follows Avery Grambs, a high school student who unexpectedly inherits billionaire Tobias Hawthorne's fortune. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the Hawthorne House, where every room is filled with puzzles, riddles, and codes. However, the Hawthorne family is not happy about Avery's inheritance and believes she is a conwoman. With twists, secrets, and dangerous stakes, this series is perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying and Knives Out. Overall, the Inheritance Games Collection is a captivating and unique mystery series that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley is a thrilling and empowering read that sheds light on the issue of missing Indigenous women. Perry Firekeeper-Birch, the protagonist, embarks on a journey to reclaim her stolen history and solve a high-profile murder investigation while facing old rivalries and sister secrets. The book is a #1 Indies Bestseller, an Amazon Best Book of the Month, and an Indigo Teen Staff Pick of the Month. With five starred reviews, this book is a must-read for teenagers and young adults interested in fiction on girls' and women's issues.